Characterization of Ba2YCu3O(7-x) prepared in an inert atmosphere

Reaction data, X-ray data, and critical temperature measurements have been used to show that superconducting Ba2YCu3O(7-x) can be produced in an inert atmosphere using BaO2 as the barium source. Weight loss data are presented for samples produced in O2 and N2. The use of BaO2 is found to result in decreased levels of intergrain BaCO3. The necessity for total inert atmosphere handling and tighter control of the carbon content of starting materials is pointed out. It is shown that materials made with BaO2 and handled in inert atmospheres can be used to improve the J sub c of melt processed materials. 10 references